Staff Reporter

The Government has approved the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which will run from January 2026 to December 2030, following the conclusion of the current National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) in December 2025.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, during a post-Cabinet media briefing, in Harare, today.

Dr. Muswere explained that NDS2 will build on the Government's long-term economic vision to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.

“The National Development Strategy 1: 2021-2025 (NDS1) will come to an end in December 2025. As such, the National Development Strategy 2 which will run from 2026-2030 will be the Second Republic’s second five-year medium-term plan for attaining the country’s Vision 2030,” he said.

The approval of NDS2 follows recommendations presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube. Dr. Muswere emphasized that the strategy will be guided by 10 key national priorities aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth and development.

“Government has adopted 10 national priorities that will guide and underpin the formulation and implementation of the NDS2 blueprint,” he said.

He outlined the key focus areas of the strategy, emphasizing their role in shaping Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.

“These priorities include macroeconomic stability and financial sector deepening; inclusive economic growth and structural transformation; infrastructural development and housing; food security, climate resilience, and environmental protection; technology, innovation, and human capital development; job creation, youth development, the creative industry, and culture; social development and social protection; regional development and inclusivity through devolution and decentralization; image building, international diplomacy, and trade; and good governance, institution building, and security,” Dr. Muswere said.

He further highlighted that these priorities would enhance efficiency in resource allocation and sectoral coordination to improve service delivery for citizens.

“The streamlined national priorities are geared to optimize resource allocation and strengthen sectoral coordination for effective and impactful service delivery to the citizenry,” he noted.

Dr. Muswere also revealed that a broad-based consultative process will be undertaken to ensure inclusivity in drafting the final NDS2 framework.

“A broad-based consultative process will support thematic working group realignment across different socio-economic sectors, leading to the actual drafting and launch of NDS2 by October 2025,” he said.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that NDS2 builds on the foundation laid by NDS1, with a strong focus on economic stability, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. By aligning national priorities with Vision 2030, the strategy aims to create a more prosperous and resilient economy.

With the drafting and launch set for October 2025, stakeholders across various sectors will play a crucial role in shaping its implementation. As the country moves forward, the successful execution of NDS2 will be key to achieving long-term national development goals and improving the livelihoods of all Zimbabweans.